International Payments

In what types of situations is a confirmed letter of credit typically used?

A confirmed letter of credit is a desirable (albeit expensive) payment method for a company buying a product internationally, and a desirable (albeit expensive) payment method for a company that is selling product internationally. The buyer who uses this payment method can feel comfortable that two banks are assessing the seller's performance under the letter of credit which has been issued on behalf of the buyer. Likewise, the buyer can feel comfortable that the seller will not be paid if the seller does not perform exactly as the confirmed letter of credit requires. The seller, on the other hand, should also feel comfortable with a confirmed letter of credit transaction in that the seller knows that it will be paid in the U.S. by a U.S. bank if it performs in accordance with the terms and conditions that are specified by the letter of credit.

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